Crisis talks were held last week as restaurant owners battle against a combination of border controls, rising costs and tough competition.

David Cameron recently unveiled new measures to “significantly reduce” non-EU migration, a move which raised fresh fears about the ability to bring in skilled chefs.

But one curry chef warned the move could kill the industry.

Oli Khan of the Bangladesh Caterers Association said: “If this happens it will be very difficult for the industry to survive. The staff shortage is becoming a huge crisis in this industry.”

Chefs from countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan have been left unable to start work in the UK and many curry house managers have turned to Eastern European workers to fill the void.

“Instead of spending a lot of money kicking them out of the country, allow them to work full-time”

Oli Khan of the Bangladesh Caterers Association

Mr Khan suggested the Government should allow non-EU residents and even illegal immigrants to work in the UK to prove their worth.

He said: “Instead of spending a lot of money kicking them out of the country, allow them to work full-time.

“Allow undocumented people to work in this country for a three or five-year trial before giving them residency. The Government should take the initiative and allow us to have some migrant workers in our industry so we can save this industry.”

Curry houses are also facing competition in the form of supermarket curries and a worldwide shortage of cumin – a vital ingredient – which could spark a menu price rise.

Curry house accountant Sanawar Choudhury said: “Immigration is a real issue for the industry and with a new government in place that issue is not going to get any easier over the next five years.”

The UK curry industry is worth over £4billion, with about 15,000 restaurants in operation.